Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide the method of altering the size of tetrafluoroethylene tubing which is only available in limited combination of wall thicknesses and diameter. The method includes the steps of sliding the tetrafluoroethylene tubing (12) onto an aluminum mandrel (20) and clamping the ends of the tubing to the mandrel by means of clamps (24). The tetrafluoroethylene tubing and mandrel are then placed in a supporting coil (25). The supporting coil with the mandrel and tetrafluoroethylene tubing are then positioned in a insulated steel pipe (28). The steel pipe is normally covered with a fiber glass insulator to smooth out temperature distribution therein. The entire structure is then placed in an oven which heats the tetrafluorethylene tubing which is then shrunk by the heat to the outer dimension of the aluminum mandrel. After cooling the aluminum mandrel is removed from the newly sized tetrafluoroethylene tubing by a conventional chemical milling process.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the conversion of water vapor to oxygen and hydrogen included an anode comprising a foraminous conductive metal base member having a coating thereon of 65-85 weight percent iridium oxide and 15-35 weight percent of a high temperature resin binder. Also included are a matrix member and a cathode, with the matrix member containing an electrolyte and the cathode being substantially inert to the electrolyte. The foraminous metal member is most desirably expanded tantalum mesh, and the cell desirably includes reservoir elements of porous sintered metal in contact with the anode to receive and discharge electrolyte to the matrix member as required.

Abstract: A new and improved method for applying photographic resists to otherwise incompatible substrates, such as, for example, a baking enamel paint surface, is described wherein the uncured enamel paint surface is coated with a non-curing lacquer which is, in turn, coated with a partially cured lacquer. The non-curing lacquer adheres to the enamel and a photo resist material will satisfactorily adhere to the partially cured lacquer. Once normal photo etching techniques are employed the lacquer coats can be easily removed from the enamel leaving the photo etched image. This invention is particularly applicable to preparation of edge-lighted instrument panels. In such case a coat of uncured enamel is placed over the cured enamel followed by the lacquer coats and the photo resists which is exposed and developed in the normal way. Once the uncured enamel, now having had the image etched upon it, is cured, the lacquer coats are removed leaving an etched panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urine collection device for females comprising a collection element defining a urine collection chamber and an inlet opening into the chamber and adapted to be disposed in surrounding relation to the urethral opening of the user. A drainage conduit is connected to the collection element in communication with the chamber whereby the chamber and conduit together comprise a urine flow pathway for carrying urine generally away from the inlet. A first body of wicking material is mounted adjacent the collection element and extends at least partially into the flow pathway. The device preferably also comprises a vaginal insert element including a seal portion for preventing the entry of urine into the vagina in contact therewith.

Abstract: A self-calibrating threshold detector for use with receivers adapted to receive an incoming transmitted signal carrying a prescribed code. The detector comprises a single demodulating channel which includes a mixer having one input receiving the incoming signal and another input receiving a local replica code. During a short time interval, an incorrect local code is applied to the mixer to incorrectly demodulate said incoming signal and to provide a reference level that calibrates the noise propagating through the channel. A sample-and-hold circuit is coupled to the channel for storing a sample of the reference level. During a relatively long time interval, the correct replica code provides an output level which ranges between the reference level and a maximum level that represents incoming signal presence and synchronism with the replica code. A summer subtracts the stored sample reference from said output level to provide a resultant difference signal indicative of the acquisition of the expected signal.

Abstract: The frequency and phase of an output signal from an oscillator circuit are controlled with accuracy by a digital input word. Positive and negative alterations in output frequency are both provided for by translating all values of input words so that they are positive. The oscillator reference frequency is corrected only in one direction, by adding phase to the output frequency of the oscillator.The input control word is translated to a single algebraic sign and the digital 1 is added thereto. The translated input control word is then accumulated. A reference clock signal having a frequency at an integer multiple of the desired frequency of the output signal is generated. The accumulated control word is then compared with a threshold level. The output signal is adjusted in a single direction by dividing the frequency of the reference clock signal by a first integer or by an integer different from the first integer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a structural member, such as a truss, and a method and apparatus for fabricating the same from flexible sheet material in compacted form. A plurality of generally tubular columns are progressively formed from the sheet material and deployed generally parallel to one another. Adjacent pairs of the columns are interconnected by respective side members, each of which is comprised of a strip of the sheet material. The sheet material is fastened together by self-attaching fasteners integrally formed from the sheet material of the columns and side members themselves.

Abstract: A method for installing fragile, high temperature insulation batting in an elongated cavity or in a resilient wire sleeve to form a resilient seal. The batting is preformed to rough dimensions and wrapped in a plastic film, the film being of a material which is fugitive at a high temperature. The film is heat sealed and trimmed to form a snugly fit skin which overlaps at least at one end to permit attachment of a pull cord. The film absorbs the tensile force of pulling the film enclosed batting through the cavity or wire mesh sleeve and is subsequently driven off by high temperature baking, leaving only the insulation in the cavity or wire mesh sleeve.

Abstract: A surface of an article adapted for relative motion with a fluid environment is finished by coating the surface with a fluid adhesive, covering the adhesive with a sheet of flexible film material under tension, and setting the adhesive while maintaining tension on the film material whereby the tensioned film material is bonded to the surface by the adhesive.

Abstract: A delay-locked loop is provided for tracking a pseudonoise (PN) reference code in an incoming communication signal. The loop is less sensitive to gain imbalances, which can otherwise introduce timing errors in the PN reference code formed by the loop.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing thermal and pressure sealing in an elongated space of varying width between adjacent surfaces of first and second members mounted for at least limited lateral movement therebetween. The apparatus may comprise: a first elongated support member attached to one of the adjacent surfaces; a second elongated support member attached to the other of the adjacent surfaces; and an elongated seal member sandwiched between the first and second support members. In its non-deformed state, the elongated seal member may be substantially cylindrical but capable of deformation to accommodate limited lateral movement between the adjacent surfaces and varying widths of the space therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple band antenna assembly for communicating electromagnetic radiation. An antenna element stack is constructed of a plurality of elliptical lamina antenna elements mutually separated by layers of dielectric material, and separated from a ground plane by dielectric material. The antenna assembly is coupled through a feed line in contact with the top antenna element. A conductor joins the remaining antenna elements to the ground plane. Each individual antenna element is operable for communication reception and transmission within a frequency band determined by the size of the particular antenna element. The antenna elements are arranged in order of decreasing size with the largest antenna element closest to the ground plane. The sizes of the antenna elements may be selected to provide electromagnetic radiation communication over several distinct frequency bands, or to connect the individual bands into a broad band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coaxial antenna array for communicating circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation. A pair of open ended antenna cavities is coaxially constructed and operates by excitation of linear radiation elements arranged within each of the cavities. A pair of crossed-dipole radiation devices are centered within the inner cavity and operated by means of a phase-shifting network circuit to transmit as well as receive circularly polarized radiation. Four monopole radiation devices are symmetrically arranged to operate in the outer cavity in phase quadrature by means of the phase-shifting network circuit to also both transmit and receive circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation. Combined operation of the two antenna cavities with a 180.degree. phase differential between the fields related to the two antenna cavities provides a broad beam, relatively wide frequency bandwidth communication capability.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical system for use in a multispectral scanner of the type used in video imaging devices. Electromagnetic radiation reflected by a rotating scan mirror is focused by a concave primary telescope mirror and collimated by a second concave mirror. The collimated beam is split by a dichroic filter which transmits radiant energy in the infrared spectrum and reflects visible and near infrared energy. The long wavelength beam is filtered and focused on an infrared detector positioned in a cryogenic environment. The short wavelength beam is dispersed by a pair of prisms, then projected on an array of detectors also mounted in a cryogenic environment and oriented at an angle relative to the optical path of the dispersed short wavelength beam.

Abstract: Method and automated apparatus are disclosed for determining the time of detection of metabolically produced hydrogen by coliform bacteria cultured in an electroanalytical cell from the time the cell is inoculated with the bacteria. The detection time data provides bacteria concentration values. The apparatus is sequenced and controlled by a digital computer to discharge a spent sample, clean and sterilize the culture cell, provide a bacteria nutrient into the cell, control the temperature of the nutrient, inoculate the nutrient with a bacteria sample, measures the electrical potential difference produced by the cell and measures the time of detection from inoculation.

Abstract: A process for producing aromatic polyamides having improved nonflammability characteristics in which a polyamide substrate is contacted with a gaseous medium comprising a minor amount of a haloolefinic material and an inert diluent in the presence of light having sufficient energy to effect chemical addition of the haloolefin to said polyamide substrate.

Abstract: Homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of a styrene based monomer are prepared by:(1) polymerizing at least one oxidized styrylphosphine monomer selected from the group of:(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 P(O)N.dbd.P(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 CH.dbd.CH.sub.2,(C.sub.6 H.sub.5 O).sub.2 P(O)N.dbd.P(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 CH.dbd.CH.sub.2,(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 C.sub.3 N.sub.3 N.dbd.P(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 and(C.sub.6 H.sub.5)C.sub.3 N.sub.3 [N.dbd.P(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 ].sub.2 ; or(2) polymerizing p-diphenylphosphinestyrene and then oxidizing said polymerized p-diphenylphosphinestyrene monomer with an organoazide selected from the group of (C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 P(O)N.sub.3,(C.sub.6 H.sub.5 O).sub.2 P(O)N.sub.3,(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 C.sub.3 N.sub.3 (N.sub.3) and C.sub.6 H.sub.5 C.sub.3 N.sub.3 (N.sub.3).sub.2.

Abstract: A delta modulation system with an encoder for encoding successive samples of an analog signal during successive sample intervals into a digital status change code signal indicating the difference between a sample and an estimate of the sample as one of three states: increasing, decreasing or unchanged in status. The status change code signal is transmitted to a decoder which reconstructs the analog signal from the digital status change signal. The status change code signal is also used in the encoder to estimate the next sample of the analog signal.

Abstract: A floating nut retention system includes a nut having a central aperture therein. An inner retainer plate has an opening therein, the nut being secured to the inner retainer plate with the nut aperture and the inner retainer plate opening being fixedly aligned therewith. An outer retainer member is formed of a base plate having an opening therein and having a surface adjacent a surface the inner retainer plate. The outer retainer member includes a securing mechanism for retaining the inner retainer plate adjacent to the outer retainer member. The securing mechanism enables the inner retainer plate to float with respect to the outer retainer member, while simultaneously forming a bearing surface for said inner retainer plate.

Abstract: A pressure limiting propellant actuating system includes an outer barrel housing having a combustion chamber formed therein. A main piston is movable in the barrel housing when a pressure is developed in the combustion chamber. A relief piston is concentrically mounted and fixedly movable with the main piston when the gas pressure is exerted thereon from the combustion chamber. The relief piston includes a separation mechanism for limiting the output force and simultaneously, maintaining output pressure from the combustion chamber.